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Enjoy this short route leading to a unique view into Virginia's ancient past.


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Map Key

2.8

Miles

4.5

KM

Out and Back

1,818' 554 m

High

1,041' 317 m

Low

778' 237 m

Up

778' 237 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Family Friendly Though this trail can be steep in places, this is a great place to let imaginations fly, and can also be a great informational hike.

Overview

Short but sweet, this is a perfect route for the geologist in your family! A trip to Devil's Marbleyard is a fun and interesting trip, though it can be quite strenuous.

Description

This route contains a steep incline for most of the trip, but it's well worth the time and effort spent getting to the Devil's Marbleyard. The trail is not marked well, but you can follow the blue blazes until the end of the Belfast Trail. The route features a gentle climb at first, but soon enough the angle steepens. You'll find yourself passing the Devil's Marbleyard just over 1.25 miles into the hike. Take your time exploring the area! Tumbled down chunks of marble litter the landscape here.

Where did this all come from, you ask? The answer is found in geology. The Antietam Quartzite found at Devil's Marbleyard (Arnold's Valley) is the result of a rise in sea level relative to the land (transgression), over 500 millions years ago, followed by a time were the area was dominated by a pure quartz beach. The blocks and boulders at the Marbleyard have tube-like structures running parallel to one another. Likely, these are the fossilized remains of cavities where a worm-like creature lived. 

If you're up for more, continue to follow the Belfast Trail as it continues heading northeast and up for another mile.

Contacts

Shared By:

Roanoke Outside

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 12 votes

#2547

Overall
  4.3 from 12 votes
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3 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#68

in Virginia

#2,547

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3,894 Since Apr 19, 2017
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Photos

Scrambling in Devil's Marbleyard
Aug 13, 2019 near Glasgow, VA
Edge of Devil's Marbleyard
Aug 13, 2019 near Glasgow, VA
Valley view from Devil's Marbleyard
Aug 13, 2019 near Glasgow, VA
The Devils Marble Yard can be accessed from the Belfast Trail.
Jan 31, 2017 near Glasgow, VA
Parking is sufficient at the Belfast Trailhead.
Jan 31, 2017 near Glasgow, VA

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Check-Ins

Mar 30, 2024
Private User
Oct 10, 2022
Jason Cromer
Oct 10, 2021
Sarah Price
Jun 6, 2021
Will Heinle
Only a mile to the Marbleyard
Mar 20, 2021
Private User
Sep 5, 2020
Morgan B
Jul 30, 2020
Erin Blankenberger
Jul 28, 2020
Kurt Eisele
2h 48m
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